SHARE

US agents inspect Russian trade mission in Washington after shuttering three outposts

The Trump administration ordered the closure of three Russian properties in Washington, New York and San Francisco

The United States has ordered Russia to close its consulate in San Francisco, the chancery annex in Washington (pictured), where Moscow has a giant embassy complex, and a consular annex in New York. Eric Baradat/ AFP Photo

Black smoke was seen billowing from the consulate in San Francisco on Friday.

A spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry insisted the smoke was due to measures to "preserve the building" at a time when officials were gearing up to leave.

US agents were seen in the gardens of the mansion in Washington as Russian news agency RIA-Novosti reported that the search was conducted with Russian officials present.

"Today, Russian Embassy personnel, together with State Department officials, walked through three properties in San Francisco, New York and Washington, DC that the Russian government is required to close," a State Department official said.

"These inspections were carried out to secure and protect the facilities and to confirm the Russian government had vacated the premises," he said, adding that all three are now closed.

The shuttering of the three properties by the Trump administration was in response to staff cuts enforced by Russia at the US mission in Moscow.

Russia’s foreign ministry is said to be furious with the inspection and presented acting US mission head Anthony Godfrey with a "note of protest over the intention of the American authorities to conduct a search."

The ministry warned that the visit "could be used by the US intelligence services to organise an anti-Russian provocation involving planting compromising materials."

"The US authorities must stop the gross violations of international law and breaching the immunity of Russia's diplomatic institutions. Otherwise, we reserve the right to reciprocate on mutual basis," the note added.

Tensions between the US and Russia have been rising over the past few months, despite Mr Trump vowing to improve relations with its former Cold War rival during his presidential campaign.